Teenage room ideas – 7 ways to keep the eye rolling at bay

We are redecorating my eye-rolling sons room because apparently it is no longer ‘sick’. Which I am reliably informed means the exact opposite of how it sounds.

Confused? Yes. Welcome to life with teenagers.

Being that my ideas for neutral colours and sensible storage solutions were not met with enthusiasm, I thought it was about time I got myself down wit’ the kidz *shudders* and started brainstorming ways to up the cool factor round here. Teenage room ideas are not as easy as they sound because (and I’m generalising) the teenager involved usually has less idea about space, storage and reality than your average two year old.

Anyway, project “sick” is now underway and in the process, seven teenage-authorised interior designs have been approved so I thought why not share them with other clueless, storage-solution-seeking mothers.

Aannd you’re very welcome.

Here comes the list:

Wall murals

So many choices and apparently so much cooler than paint and generic wallpaper. I have to admit, this is one interior choice that I was pretty happy with. There are a wealth of websites and design choices but we love the ones from Wallsauce where you can select your wall art from a large range or even upload your own image to be created into a wall mural cool enough for any teen.

Smart features

This was my son’s idea but basically he’s roped me into buying him an Alexa and hooking his light bulbs and all available electronics up to it. Technology is everything to teenagers and he is absolutely going to love being fully SMART enabled with this clever technology.

Built in wardrobes

In the end, the IKEA set-up just wasn’t cutting it for the amount of crap he has and claims he needs. You see, I like things to be organised so I always start room organisation by making a list of all the things that need a home. Once I’d done this with Zak’s room, it became clear that built in storage would be the most functional but also look the nicest. Definitely worth the investment, especially where space is at a premium.

Clever lighting

Never has there been so much choice. Cubes that double up as bedside tables, charging points AND lights? Yep they make those. Strip lighting, bulb lighting, overhead lighting, torch lighting – whatever takes your fancy they are sure to do it. Using different light sources is always my go-to feature in a room to add cosiness as well as various levels of functionality but with a teenage boys bedroom, it’s also an easy way to let them inject a bit of personality.

Framed posters

Come on now, are you even a real teenager if you don’t put posters on your walls? Thankfully, interior design has moved on somewhat since the 1990’s but a few well chosen posters in frames can really add a little something to an otherwise neutral room. This is a relatively inexpensive way of jazzing up a room also.

Make a design feature out of their hobby

For example, Zak is a keen electric guitar player so using a wall to display his guitars and music equipment not only gets it off the floor but it also makes a statement. And you know how teenagers love to do that. You could do the same with a games corner, sports etc.

Use a bed that doubles up as furniture

Single beds with a pull out underneath for sleepovers, sofa beds, double height bunks with desks underneath etc. We are going for a bed that switches into a sofa as space is relatively tight but the options are endless.

If you are looking for some inspiration, head over to my teenage boys bedroom board on Pinterest for lots more ideas.